Whether you’re a fan of okra’s earthy flavor or still on the fence about this fuzzy green veg, these suckers are a nutritious addition to your diet. They’re also versatile AF since you can eat the leaves, flowers, seeds, and juice.
Okra — also nicknamed ladies’ fingers for its slender shape — is popular in gumbo and a fave Southern side dish when fried or pickled. If you’re not already munching on okra, here’s why you should give this veggie a chance.
In this article, we will emphasize some facts about this vegetable with a high nutritional profile and you’ll learn about the benefits that you can get for your overall health by consuming okra regularly.
Nutritional Benefits
Okra is rich in nutrients and low in calories, why is usually included in a diet when the people try to lose weight.
It contains:
– A high amount of fiber,
– Vitamins A, C, K and B, and folate
– It is also rich in iron, zinc, potassium, manganese, calcium, and magnesium
– Rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, and xanthan.
Health Benefits
– Anemia
Producing of the red blood cells, okra prevents anemia and helps the people who already suffer from it.
– Anti-Cancer Properties
As it is an excellent source of antioxidants, okra improve the immunity, has the ability to protect your body from free radicals, and prevents mutation of cells.
– Asthma
Its content of antioxidants and vitamin C makes the okra powerful in reducing the asthmatic attacks.
– Cholesterol
As the okra is rich in soluble fiber, which lowers serum cholesterol, eating it will reduce atherosclerosis and the risk of heart diseases.
– Bone Strength
Thanks to the containment of folate consumption of okra help building strong bones and prevents osteoporosis as well.
– Constipation
Another benefit of the rich content of fiber and mucilaginous and because of its natural laxative properties, okra pods help regular bowel movements. Its consumption will reduce the risk of colon cancer.
– Boosts Immunity
The high amounts of antioxidants and vitamin C in okra are improving immunity and prevent numerous health issues including a cough and cold.
– Diabetes
Okra possesses properties that can regulate blood sugar level, so eating 6-8 young, raw okra on a daily basis will be of great help. It acts instantly, so the results will be noticed significantly in no time.
– Pregnancy
The folate in okra helps to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in babies.
– Skin Health
The proper bowel movements improve skin health, preventing acne, psoriasis, and other skin issues.
– Vision Health
Thanks to the lutein, beta-carotenes, and xanthine, okra is very beneficial for vision health. It has the property to prevent eye problems such as glaucoma and cataract.
Another method of using okra to lower blood sugar levels
– Take 3-4 pieces of raw okra, and cut off the stem partMaking a cut expose the insides and cut the okra into two pieces.
– Dip pieces into a glass of water
– Keep them in a mason jar overnight at room temperature
Drink the water next morning, and you can either eat or eliminate the remaining pieces of okra.
After 2-4 weeks, the results of your blood sugar levels will be significantly lowered.
Following a healthy diet along with practicing this way will obtain the best results.
Consumption Tips
Choose with small size instead of the big ones
It’s best when is tender, as it gets very fibrous when it’s older
Avoid those which are soft and their color doesn’t look fresh.
Always buy organic, but if not possible, soak them in water with sea salt and apple cider vinegar for 10 minutes, then rinse them well
To reduce the “green taste” and the mucilage you should steam or quickly stir-fry.
Can be added to your salad or consumed on its own.
Warning: Okra is not recommended for those who have a history of kidney stones.
